A Guide to Building a Summer Capsule Wardrobe You’ll Want to Wear Forever

A GUIDE TO BUILDING A SUMMER CAPSULE WARDROBE YOU’LL WANT TO WEAR FOREVER 

Our closets are about to get a major makeover because summer is here! With temperatures slowly rising, so does our need to shed these spring layers to make way for lighter pieces. The ideal capsule wardrobe consists of a good mix of classics and on-trend pieces. Think button-downs and popover blouses but in bright colors and standout prints, roomy beach bags, and of course, sundresses. We can’t forget about accessories and shoes too, which have their respective summer iterations that we can’t wait to wear outside.

Ahead, see how you can streamline your wardrobe in time for the new season and welcome summer in style.

The “Going Out” Top

Planning your summer nights out is always a good idea because this means you can also build your outfits ahead. When dresses are out of the picture, sleek and feminine tops are the next best thing. Look for halter and cropped styles that can be easily worn with jeans, skirts, or trousers, and stick to neutral shades for a more sophisticated look.

Styles you might love:

The Little White Dress

Swap your LBD with something more summer-appropriate. White dresses are more forgiving on hotter days, especially if they’re made from a linen-like material. Whether you go for a mini dress or floor-grazing frock, it will be your new favorite go-to for any occasion. Wear it with low-heeled mules or dressy flats and accessorize with a chic purse.

Styles you might love:

The Ultimate Summer Shirt: Bright Button-Downs

Give your crisp, white button-down a summer refresh with bright colors. An oversized silhouette makes for the perfect beach cover-up, plus you can style it as a dress when cinched at the waist. Wear it casually with jeans or denim shorts, or dress it up with a midi skirt for evenings out.

Styles you might love:

The Summer Capsule Necklace

If we were to choose an accessory to wear all summer long, it would be a necklace. Look for multi-beaded or pearl-encrusted styles for a trendier look, or stick to classic chains that go well with any outfit. Either way, it’s a piece you can wear well beyond the season.

Styles you might love:

The Statement Bag: Leather Totes

In addition to woven bags, luxe, soft leather totes are becoming a favorite this season. They offer a more elegant and timeless appeal, plus they can hold as many items as any other beach bag. When it comes to color, neutrals are an obvious option, but brighter hues make a fun and sunnier statement.

Styles you might love:

Wear-With-Anything Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a key piece for any summer wardrobe, but if you don’t have one yet, this is the perfect time to seize the opportunity. It’s a functional yet stylish way to elevate an outfit. With several styles available at Stein Mart, you won’t have a difficult time choosing a favorite. Opt for retro silhouettes like cat-eye or oversized frames to go with any outfit.

Styles you might love:

The Go-To Sandal

Summer is officially sandal season, and we are here for it. From minimalist flats that serve as everyday footwear to block heels to espadrilles, it’s all about comfort over aesthetics. One of our favorite warm-weather outfits is a maxi dress with leather slides. It’s casual, chic, and stylish at the same time. Midi skirts look glamorous with block heels, perfect for that summer dinner.

Styles you might love:

The Beach Cover-Up: Kimonos

Cover-ups come in many forms, including kimonos, tunics, and scarves. All are considered summer staples, and we couldn’t agree more. This season, we’re looking at kimonos because they add flair to any ensemble. You can wear it even if you’re not at the beach by using it as a light jacket.

Styles you might love:

Take these pieces to the next season

We love a good summer trend, but these capsule pieces are here to stick with you from this season to the next. Feel free to add to this list until you find a set that speaks to your style. You can also mix and match the pieces we’ve laid out to create unique outfit combinations, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

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